Seatpost assembly having a reversible saddle clamp

ABSTRACT

A seatpost assembly is disclosed. The assembly includes a housing fixedly coupled to a seatpost, the housing including at least one adjustable clamp assembly retaining member. The assembly also includes a reversable saddle rail clamp assembly, the reversable saddle rail clamping assembly having a bottom saddle rail clamping member and a top saddle rail clamping member. The top saddle rail clamping member is configured to be coupled with the bottom saddle rail clamping member in a first orientation to provide a first offset position, and further configured to be coupled with the bottom saddle rail clamping member in a second orientation to provide a second offset position different from said first offset position.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and benefit of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 16/848,083 filed on Apr. 14, 2020, entitled“Seatpost Assembly Having A Reversible Saddle Clamp” by Thomas Pollock,Attorney Docket Number FOX-0101US, assigned to the assignee of thepresent application, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety.

The application Ser. No. 16/848,083 claims priority to and benefit ofU.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/833,962 filed on Apr. 15,2019, entitled “A Seatpost Assembly Having A Reversible Saddle Clamp” byThomas Pollock, Attorney Docket Number FOX-0101US.PRO assigned to theassignee of the present application, the disclosure of which is herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the invention generally relate to a seatpost assemblywith reversable saddle clamp that can modify a location and anorientation of a saddle coupled thereto.

BACKGROUND

Saddle geometry is an important part of a vehicle (such as a bicycle,unicycle, tricycle, and the like) setup. If the saddle is too farforward, a rider sitting on the saddle will feel crowded, or unstable.Similarly, if the saddle is too far back, the rider on the saddle wouldfeel uncomfortable based on the reach requirement. Moreover, if thesaddle is pitched too far forward (or too far backward) it will causeundue discomfort for the rider. Additionally, what would be considered agood set-up for one rider would likely feel uncomfortable for anotherrider. Similarly, what would feel like a good saddle orientation on abike being used in offroad conditions can be different than a goodsaddle orientation on the same bike being used on the road. As such,there are no universal saddle geometry settings, instead the saddlesettings are user specific and can change for the same bike depending onthe terrain being traversed. Thus, different riders and terrain canrequire any number of different seatpost head assemblies.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Aspects of the present invention are illustrated by way of example, andnot by way of limitation, in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a bicycle upon which the saddle andseatpost assembly is mounted, in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of an exemplary system for coupling thesaddle to a seatpost assembly, in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 1C is a perspective view of a saddle, in accordance with anembodiment.

FIG. 2A is a side view of a seatpost assembly with the reversible saddleclamp in a first orientation having a first offset, in accordance withan embodiment.

FIG. 2B is a side view of the seatpost assembly of FIG. 2A with thereversible saddle clamp in a second orientation, in accordance with anembodiment.

FIG. 3A is a top view of a reversible saddle clamp of FIG. 2A in a firstorientation, in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 3B is a top view of a reversible saddle clamp of FIG. 2A in asecond orientation, in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 4A is a side view of a seatpost assembly with the reversible saddleclamp in a first orientation having a first offset, in accordance withan embodiment.

FIG. 4B is a side view of the seatpost assembly of FIG. 4A with thereversible saddle clamp in a second orientation having a second offset,in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 5A is a side view of a seatpost assembly with the reversible saddleclamp in a first orientation having a first offset, in accordance withan embodiment.

FIG. 5B is a side view of the seatpost assembly of FIG. 5A with thereversible saddle clamp in a second orientation, in accordance with anembodiment.

FIG. 6A is a side view of a seatpost assembly with the reversible saddleclamp in a first orientation having a first offset, in accordance withan embodiment.

FIG. 6B is a side view of the seatpost assembly of FIG. 6A with thereversible saddle clamp in a second orientation having a second offset,in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 7A is a side view of a seatpost assembly with the reversible saddleclamp in a first orientation having a first offset, in accordance withan embodiment.

FIG. 7B is a side view of the seatpost assembly of FIG. 7A with thereversible saddle clamp in a second orientation having a second offset,in accordance with an embodiment.

The drawings referred to in this description should be understood as notbeing drawn to scale except if specifically noted.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appendeddrawings is intended as a description of various embodiments of thepresent invention and is not intended to represent the only embodimentsin which the present invention is to be practiced. Each embodimentdescribed in this disclosure is provided merely as an example orillustration of the present invention, and should not necessarily beconstrued as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. In someinstances, well known methods, procedures, and objects have not beendescribed in detail as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of thepresent disclosure.

Overview

Developing a seatpost and saddle clamp assembly that providesindependent pitch and fore-and-aft movement is a continuous challenge.Moreover, as is often the case in development and experimentation thatcome with advancing technologies, when a solution is found or anadvancement is made in one area of a system, it often incurs a penaltyor compromise in another different part of the system. As such, seatpostand saddle clamp assembly builders and users are constantly inventing,experimenting, developing, and tuning the seatpost and saddle assembliesfor different performance requirements, changes in manufacturingmethods, the availability and use of different materials, structuralimprovements, weight reductions, usability, durability, and the like.

In one embodiment, a seatpost and saddle clamp assembly allowsadjustments to offset and pitch are made about nominal values which arepart of the seatpost design. The adjustments can be for personalpreferences, different bike geometries, different user geometries,different terrain, different performance characteristics, and the like.For example, a tall rider would likely prefer a saddle offset furtheraft than a shorter rider on the same bike. In contrast, a rider wouldlikely prefer a first saddle offset distance when riding a bike on aroad and a second saddle offset distance (different than the firstsaddle offset distance) when riding the same bike on a BMX track, agravel road, down a hillside, etc.

The following discussion provides a novel solution for a seatpost andsaddle clamp assembly (e.g., saddle clamp system 100) that includes theability to allow an offset adjustment of a saddle's nominal offset valuewith respect to the location of the vehicle seat tube.

In one embodiment, the seatpost clamps and head design allows reversiblesaddle clamps to change the nominal offset between the saddle clampcenter and the seatpost centerline. This yields at least two nominalsaddle offset positions for a single parts set, and increases thefitment options for a single assembly. In one embodiment, the saddleclamp interface with the seatpost is not centered with respect to thesaddle clamp interface with the saddle rails. Thus, embodiments of thereversible saddle clamp configuration described herein are able toobtain previously unavailable configurations such as, but not limitedto, a positive offset and zero offset configuration, a two differentnon-zero positive offset configuration, a negative offset and zerooffset configuration, a two different negative offset configuration, apositive offset and negative offset configuration, and the like.

For purposes of clarity, the technology is described in embodiments of abicycle. Although, the bicycle is provided as one embodiment, it isappreciated that the technology could be similarly installed andapplicable on a number of different bicycle styles such as a road bike,a mountain bike, a gravel bike, a BMX bike, or the like that have more,less, or different components that those shown in FIG. 1A. It is furtherappreciated that the technology could be similarly installed andapplicable on a number of different vehicles types such as an e-bike, aBMX bike, a unicycle, a moped, and the like.

Operation

Referring now to FIG. 1A, a perspective view of a bicycle 50 including asaddle clamp system 100 is shown in accordance with an embodiment. FIG.1A also includes a front direction 360 (as indicated by the arrow and inthe general direction of the handlebars and the front wheel) and a reardirection 180 (as indicated by the arrow and in the general direction ofthe rear wheel). For purposes of the following discussion, movement of acomponent or assembly of bicycle 50 in a fore or forward direction ismovement toward front direction 360, while movement of a component orassembly of bicycle 50 in an aft or rearward direction is movementtoward rear direction 180.

Bicycle 50 includes handlebar assembly 36, a saddle 32, a frame 22, afront fork assembly 11, a front wheel assembly 28, and a rear wheelassembly 30.

In one embodiment, frame 22 is a sectional frame consisting of a mainframe portion 24 and a swing arm portion 26. In one embodiment, swingarm portion 26 is coupled to the main frame 24 via a pivot point 12 anda rear shock 38 to provide a rear suspension. In one embodiment, frame22 is a single piece that has a geometry to include aspects of mainframe 24 and swing arm portion 26. In one embodiment, single piece frame22 is manufacture as a single component to form a rigid frame 22 (e.g.,a hard tail).

In one embodiment, bicycle 50 is a full suspension bicycle. For example,in one embodiment, the front fork assembly 11 includes a damper in atleast one fork leg to provide a front suspension that is used inconjunction with the rear-suspension discussion above. In anotherembodiment, bicycle 50 has only a front suspension and no rearsuspension (e.g., a hard tail). In yet another embodiment, bicycle 50could be rigid; that is, bicycle 50 would have no front or rearsuspension.

In different embodiments, instead of being used on bicycle 50 saddleclamp system 100 could be used in other vehicles such as, a road bike, amountain bike, a gravel bike, an e-bike, a BMX bike, a unicycle, or thelike.

In one embodiment, front wheel assembly 28 includes a tire on a rim thatis fixedly coupled via a series of spokes (or the like) to a wheel hub14. Wheel hub 14 is located in the center of front wheel assembly 28 andhas an axial opening in a center thereof. In one embodiment, axle 15 isinserted through the axial opening of wheel hub 14 and removably coupledto the fork assembly 11. In so doing, front wheel assembly 28 isretained with respect to the fork assembly 11 while remaining rotatableabout axle 15.

In one embodiment, bicycle 50 includes a disk brake assembly having atleast one rotor 93 attached to wheel hub 14 and at least one caliper 73attached to fork assembly 11. In one embodiment, fork assembly 11includes a steerer tube 101 which is inserted through a head tube ofmain frame 24 to couple fork assembly 11 with a handlebar assembly 36.

In one embodiment, rear wheel assembly 30 includes a tire on a rim thatis fixedly coupled via a series of spokes (or the like) to a wheel hub14 b. Wheel hub 14 b is located in the center of rear wheel assembly 30and has an axial opening in a center thereof. In one embodiment, axle 15b is inserted through the axial opening of wheel hub 14 b and removablycoupled to swing arm portion 26. In so doing, rear wheel assembly 30 iscoupled with swing arm portion 26 while remaining rotatable about axle15 b.

In one embodiment, bicycle 50 has a drive train that consists of a frontsprocket assembly 13 (including at least one sprocket), at least onerear sprocket 18, and a chain 19. In one embodiment, the at least onerear sprocket 18 is coupled with wheel hub 14 b, the front sprocketassembly 13 is mounted on main frame 24, and chain 19 is used totransfer power from the front sprocket assembly 13 to the rear sprocket18. Although a chain is used in one embodiment, it is appreciated thatthe power transfer could be performed by a belt, a shaft, a rod, or thelike.

In one embodiment, such as in the case of motorized and e-bikes, thepower could be provided to the rear sprocket 18 from a location otherthan the front sprocket assembly. In one embodiment, of a motorized ande-bike setup, the front sprocket assembly could remain and also be usedto provide some, none, or all of the power to rear sprocket 18. In oneembodiment, of a motorized and e-bike setup, the front sprocket assemblyis removed, and the motor will provide all of the power to rear sprocket18.

In one embodiment, bicycle 50 includes a seat tube 20, a seatpost 104and saddle clamp system 100. In one embodiment, seat tube 20 is anopening in a portion of the frame 22 designed to receive and retainseatpost 104. In one embodiment, seat tube 20 has a designed depth, andseatpost 104 is adjustably insertable into seat tube 20 across a rangebetween the minimum required insertion depth for the seatpost 104 andthe maximum designed depth of seat tube 20. In one embodiment, seatpost104 is a fixed length rigid seatpost. In another embodiment, seatpost104 is a dropper seat post.

Saddle Set-up

A seatpost 104 and/or a saddle 32 attached thereto is adjustable inheight, offset, and pitch. In one embodiment, saddle height is ameasured distance between a top of saddle 32 and a reference point suchas the ground G1, a point on the frame 22, the cranks, or the like. Assuch, an adjustment to the saddle height would either increase thedistance between saddle 32 and the reference point (e.g., raising thesaddle height) or decrease the distance between the saddle 32 and thereference point (e.g., lowering the saddle height). The saddle height isusually adjusted by changing the amount of seatpost 104 into or out ofseat tube 20. If a major height change is needed, a different lengthseatpost 104 would also work.

In general, offset refers to the horizontal difference between thecenter of the clamps retaining saddle 32 and a central axis of the seattube 20. Thus, a neutral offset would mean that the center of the clampsretaining saddle 32 would be in the same horizontal plane as the centralaxis of the seat tube 20. In one embodiment, the initial offset ofsaddle 32 is a nominal value which is part of the seatpost design.

For purposes of clarity in the discussion, offset adjustment will referto a forward or aft movement of saddle 32 from its initial location asshown in FIG. 1A. As such, a forward offset movement of saddle 32 wouldmove saddle 32 into a new position somewhat in front 360 of its previouslocation. Conversely, an aft movement of saddle 32 would move saddle 32into a new position somewhat to the rear 180 of its previous location.

In one embodiment, as described herein, by utilizing the offsetadjustment capabilities of saddle clamp system 100 the fore-and-aftmovement of saddle 32 does not necessarily modify a pitch of the saddle.In other words, an offset adjustment to the saddle 32 will move thesaddle 32 fore-and-aft along a plane F1 generally parallel to thebicycle frame 22. As such, a forward offset adjustment would move thesaddle toward the front 360 of the bicycle along plane F1 but it wouldnot necessarily adjust the pitch of saddle 32. In contrast, a rearoffset adjustment would move the saddle toward the rear 180 of thebicycle along plane F1 and it would also not necessarily adjust thepitch of saddle 32.

In general, saddle 32 has a front end (or nose) and a back end.Moreover, the nose of saddle 32 faces toward the front 360 of bicycle50. In one embodiment, a rotational point of saddle clamp system 100 issomewhere between the nose and the rear of saddle 32. The pitch ofsaddle 32 refers to an angle formed between horizontal plane F1 and aplane that passes through the nose and out the back of saddle 32 (e.g.,a saddle plane). For example, if the saddle is mounted to the seatposthead with a zero degree pitch, the saddle plane will be approximateparallel to horizontal plane F1.

In order to change the pitch of saddle 32, the nose and rear of saddle32 will need to pivot about the rotational point of saddle clamp system100. As such, raising the nose of saddle 32 would lower the rear, andconversely lowering the nose of saddle 32 would raise the rear.

When the pitch is adjusted, the new orientation of the saddle plane isno longer parallel to horizontal plane F1. This change in orientationintroduces an angle between the saddle plane and the horizontal plane,e.g., a nose angle.

For example, an upward pitch adjustment to saddle 32 would cause saddle32 to pivot about the rotational point of saddle clamp system 100 suchthat the front of saddle 32 would now be higher (e.g., further from theground plane G1) while the rear of saddle 32 would be lower (e.g.,closer to the ground plane G1). In an upward pitch, the saddle planewould no longer be parallel with horizontal plane F1. Instead, thesaddle plane would intersect horizontal plane F1 at the rotational pointof saddle clamp system 100. Thus, adjusting the pitch upward results insaddle 32 having a pitch of measurement nose angle U.

In contrast, a downward pitch adjustment to saddle 32 would cause saddle32 to pivot about the rotational point of saddle clamp system 100 suchthat the front of saddle 32 would now be lower (e.g., closer to theground plane G1) while the rear of saddle 32 would be higher (e.g.,further from the ground plane G1). In a downward pitch, the saddle planewould no longer be parallel with the horizontal plane F1. Once again,the saddle plane would intersect horizontal plane F1 at the rotationalpoint of saddle clamp system 100. Thus, adjusting the pitch downwardresults in saddle 32 having a pitch of measurement nose angle D.

In one embodiment, the pitch angle of saddle 32 can be adjusted to anynumber of different angles, any number of different times. In oneembodiment, the configuration of saddle clamp system 100 is such that apitch adjustment of saddle 32 does not necessarily modify the offset ofsaddle 32.

Referring now to FIG. 1B, an embodiment of the saddle clamp system 100for coupling and adjusting a position and orientation of saddle 32 to avehicle is shown. The saddle clamp system 100 includes a housing 102 anda seatpost 104. In one embodiment, housing 102 and seatpost 104 arefixedly coupled. In one embodiment, housing 102 and seatpost 104 areformed as a single piece during manufacture. In one embodiment, housing102 and seatpost 104 are cast as a single piece during manufacture. Asdescribed herein, in one embodiment, seatpost 104 is designed to slideinto seat tube 20.

With reference now to FIG. 1C, an exemplary saddle 32 including a topsurface 33, and a first rail 110 a and a second rail 110 b (collectivelyrails 110) is shown in accordance with an embodiment. Although a certainsurface 33 design is shown, it is exemplary. The surface 33 could be ofany shape, thickness, pattern, or the like. Moreover, although roundrails 110 are shown in one embodiment. It is appreciated that in anotherembodiment, the rails 110 could be of any geometric shape, thickness, ornumber. Moreover, one embodiment could use a single piece divided rail,or a number of rail 110 configurations to mount saddle 32 upon saddleclamp system 100 described herein. The use of two rails 110 is oneembodiment and is provided for purposes of clarity.

Referring again to FIG. 1B and now in conjunction with FIG. 1C, saddleclamp system 100 further includes, a bottom saddle rail clamping member108 b and a top saddle rail clamping member 108 t (collectively saddlerail clamping members 108). The saddle rail clamping members 108 areused to clamp down on rails 110 to hold the saddle in a desired offsetlocation.

In one embodiment, saddle clamp system 100 includes a first clampretaining member 114 and a second clamp retaining member 116. Ingeneral, first clamp retaining member 114 and second clamp retainingmember 116 are used to tighten the saddle rail clamping members 108 tohold the saddle 32 in a fixed fore-aft position.

In addition, first clamp retaining member 114 and second clamp retainingmember 116 can be adjusted to establish a desired saddle pitch. In FIG.1B, front direction 360 and a rear direction 180 are shown. It should beappreciated that these two general direction are provided in conjunctionwith FIG. 1A for purposes of clarity. In one embodiment, the front andrear directions could be reversed to show the different orientations forsaddle clamp system 100.

In one embodiment, the loosening of first clamp retaining member 114 andthe subsequent tightening of second clamp retaining member 116 willcause the saddle to be pitched upward relative to the front 360 of thevehicle to which the seatpost 104 is attached. Similarly, the looseningof second clamp retaining member 116 and the subsequent tightening offirst clamp retaining member 114 will cause the saddle to be pitcheddownward relative to the front 360 of the vehicle to which the seatpost104 is attached.

Thus, the saddle clamp system 100 enables independent positioning of apitch angle of the saddle 32 (e.g., nose up, level with ground, nosedown, etc.). Similarly, the offset location of the saddle can beadjusted prior to tightening down the first clamp retaining member 114and the second clamp retaining member 116 to establish the desiredoffset position of saddle 32 relative to the seatpost 104 (and seat tube20). In one embodiment, one or both of the clamp retaining members arethreaded bolts as shown in FIG. 1B. Although two threaded bolts areshown as clamp retaining members, it should be appreciated that theexample shown in FIG. 1B is provided as one embodiment for purposes ofclarity. In one embodiment, one or both of the bolts could be inverted.Similarly, in one embodiment, one or both of the clamp retaining memberscould be finger adjustable retaining members such as a wingnut, quickrelease, or the like. Further, in one embodiment, one of the clampretaining members could be a latch, hasp, or the like such that it isonly one of the retaining members that is an adjustable fastener.

In one embodiment, seatpost 104 and housing 102 are formed as a singlecomponent. In another embodiment, seatpost 104 and housing 102 consistof two or more distinct and/or different components. Further, one ormore of the different components of saddle clamp system 100 can beformed from the same materials, from two or more different materials,etc. The materials include a group of materials such as, but not limitedto, a metal, a composite, a combination of both metal and compositeparts within each part, and the like. The metal options include, but arenot limited to, steel, aluminum, titanium, and the like. The compositematerials include carbon based composites, plastics, amalgamation (e.g.,carbon/metal mix, or the like), and the like.

For example, in one embodiment, housing 102, seatpost 104, and saddlerail clamping members 108 could be made from the same material. In oneembodiment, housing 102, seatpost 104, and saddle rail clamping members108 could be made from two or more different materials. Similarly, oneor more of the different saddle clamp system 100 components couldinclude an amalgamation. For example, housing 102 consist of a carbonbody with metal inserts for retaining the clamp retaining members, etc.

Positive Offset and Zero Offset

Referring now to FIGS. 2A and 2B, a side view of a saddle clamp system200 and 250 respectively, is shown. Unless otherwise provided, in oneembodiment the components of FIGS. 2A and 2B are similar to that shownin FIG. 1B and incorporate the discussion of FIG. 1B by reference in itsentirety. FIG. 2A includes a central axis 201, a center of clampinterface with seatpost axis 202, and a clamp center axis 203. Ingeneral, central axis 201 indicates the center of the seatpost 104 (andthus the center of seat tube 20 of FIG. 1B), center of clamp interfacewith seatpost axis 202 is indicative of the center of the saddle railclamping members 108, and clamp center axis 203 is indicative of thecenter of saddle 32 when it is clamped into saddle rail clamping members108.

The difference between the central axis 201 and the clamp center axis203 is offset 220. Thus, in FIG. 2A, the saddle rail clamping members108 are in a rearward (or positive) offset orientation. That is, thecenter of saddle 32 when clamped into saddle rail clamping members 108would be offset in the rear 180 direction by the distance designated asoffset 220.

FIG. 2B includes central axis 201, center of clamp interface withseatpost axis 202, and clamp center axis 203. In FIG. 2B, saddle railclamping members 108 are reversed with respect to housing 102 from theorientation shown in FIG. 2A. In one embodiment, the reversal of saddlerail clamping members 108 is performed by loosening (removing,disconnecting, etc.) first clamp retaining member 114 and/or secondclamp retaining member 116 such that saddle rail clamping members 108can be decoupled from housing 102. Once saddle rail clamping members 108is decoupled from housing 102 it is rotated 180 degrees (about thecenter of clamp interface with seatpost axis 202). After the rotation,saddle rail clamping members 108 is then recoupled to housing 102 andfirst clamp retaining member 114 and/or second clamp retaining member116 are then tightened and adjusted such that saddle rail clampingmembers 108 is fixedly coupled to housing 102.

In one embodiment, the pitch of saddle 32 is also adjusted during thetightening of first clamp retaining member 114 and/or second clampretaining member 116.

By reversing the orientation of saddle rail clamping members 108 withrespect to housing 102, the offset 220 (of FIG. 2A) is basicallyeliminated. That is, the center of clamp interface with seatpost axis202 remains the same while the clamp center axis 203 is now aligned withcentral axis 201. Therefore, since there is no difference between thecentral axis 201 and the clamp center axis 203, there is no offset.

Thus, in combination, FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate a saddle clamp systemthat provides two distinctly different locations for the center ofsaddle 32 depending upon the front/back orientation of saddle railclamping members 108 as it is fixedly coupled to housing 102 via firstclamp retaining member 114 and/or second clamp retaining member 116. Ina first direction configuration, saddle rail clamping members 108provide an offset 220. In the opposite direction configuration, saddlerail clamping members 108 align the clamp center axis 203 with centralaxis 201.

With reference now to FIGS. 3A and 3B, top (or bottom) views 300 and 350respectively of saddle rail clamping members 108 are shown. In FIG. 3A,retaining holes 314 and 316 for receiving first clamp retaining member114 and second clamp retaining member 116 are shown. In one embodiment,the retaining holes 314 and 316 would allow the first clamp retainingmember 114 and/or second clamp retaining member 116 (of FIG. 1B, 2A, and2B) to be loosened but not removed from housing 102 while allowing thesaddle rail clamping members 108 to be coupled to (or removed from)housing 102.

For example, to couple saddle rail clamping members 108 with housing102, first clamp retaining member 114 and/or second clamp retainingmember 116 would be loosened and would be inserted through the wideopening in retaining holes 314 and 316. Once inserted, saddle railclamping members 108 would be moved such that first clamp retainingmember 114 and second clamp retaining member 116 would now be alignedwith the smaller opening in retaining holes 314 and 316. Once properlyaligned, first clamp retaining member 114 and/or second clamp retainingmember 116 would be tightened such that the pitch of saddle 32 wasproperly oriented and the fore-aft location of saddle 32 would be fixedrelative to the seatpost 104 (and seat tube 20).

In contrast, in FIG. 3B, retaining holes 314 and 316 for receiving firstclamp retaining member 114 and second clamp retaining member 116 areshown having an opening therein such that the first clamp retainingmember 114 and/or second clamp retaining member 116 (of FIG. 1B, 2A, and2B) could be loosened but not removed from housing 102 while allowingthe saddle rail clamping members 108 to be coupled to (or removed from)housing 102.

For example, to couple saddle rail clamping members 108 with housing102, first clamp retaining member 114 and/or second clamp retainingmember 116 would be loosened and would be slid through the mouth openingin retaining holes 354 and 356. Saddle rail clamping members 108 wouldbe moved with respect to first clamp retaining member 114 and secondclamp retaining member 116 until the clamp retaining members werealigned with the indentations in retaining holes 354 and 356. Onceproperly aligned, first clamp retaining member 114 and/or second clampretaining member 116 would be tightened such that the pitch of saddle 32was properly oriented and the fore-aft location of saddle 32 would befixed relative to the seatpost 104 (and seat tube 20). Although twodifferent retaining hole designs are shown, it should be appreciatedthat the retaining holes could also be simple holes that would requirethe insertion of first clamp retaining member 114 and/or second clampretaining member 116 therethrough, could be two different retaining holedesigns, or the like. Thus, the use of the two different retaining holedesigns is provided as two of many possible embodiments and shown hereinfor purposes of clarity.

In FIGS. 3A and 3B, the orientation of saddle rail clamping members 108is shown in a first direction (300) and a second opposite direction(350). Although two different retaining hole configurations are shown,in one embodiment, retaining hole 314 is analogous to retaining hole 354and retaining hole 316 is analogous to retaining hole 356. Thus, FIG. 3Ashows saddle rail clamping members 108 oriented in a first direction andFIG. 3B shows saddle rail clamping members 108 rotated 180 degrees aboutthe axis designated as clamp interface with seatpost axis 202.

In other words, the saddle rail clamping members 108 of FIGS. 3A and 3Bare in the same top saddle rail clamping member 108 t and bottom saddlerail clamping member 108 b orientation (e.g., in both FIGS. 3A and 3B,the view of saddle rail clamping members 108 is looking down upon topsaddle rail clamping member 108 t) and are merely rotated 180 degrees.

FIGS. 3A and 3B show seatpost axis 202, a clamp center axis 203 a (whensaddle rail clamping members 108 are in a first direction), and clampcenter axis 203 b (when saddle rail clamping members 108 are in a seconddirection that is opposite of the first direction). By rotating saddlerail clamping members 108 from the orientation shown in 300 to theorientation shown in 350, the overall change in the offset about clampinterface with seatpost axis 202 is indicated by offset 320. Thus, incombination, FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate a saddle clamp system thatprovides two distinctly different locations for the center of saddle 32depending upon the front/back orientation of saddle rail clampingmembers 108.

Two Different Non-Zero Positive Offsets

Referring now to FIGS. 4A and 4B, a side view of a saddle clamp system400 and 450 respectively, is shown. Unless otherwise provided, thecomponents of FIGS. 4A and 4B are similar to that shown in FIGS. 1B, 2A,and 2B and incorporate the corresponding discussions by reference intheir entirety. FIG. 4A includes central axis 201 and a clamp center403. In general, central axis 201 is the same as the central axis 201 ofFIGS. 2A and 2B and clamp center 403 is similar to clamp center 203(e.g., is indicative of the center of saddle 32 when it is clamped intosaddle rail clamping members 108).

The difference between the central axis 201 and the clamp center 403 isoffset 420. Thus, in FIG. 4A, the saddle rail clamping members 108 arein a rearward (or positive) offset orientation. That is, the center ofsaddle 32 when clamped into saddle rail clamping members 108 would beoffset in the rear 180 direction by the distance designated as offset420.

FIG. 4B includes central axis 201 and clamp center 453. In FIG. 4B,saddle rail clamping members 108 are reversed with respect to housing102 from the orientation shown in FIG. 4A. In one embodiment, thereversal of saddle rail clamping members 108 is performed in a similarmanner to that discussed in FIGS. 2A and 2B and the pitch of saddle 32is also adjusted during the tightening of first clamp retaining member114 and/or second clamp retaining member 116.

In one embodiment, reversing the orientation of saddle rail clampingmembers 108 with respect to housing 102 will change the offset into asmaller rearward (or positive) offset 470. That is, the clamp center 453is still behind central axis 201 such that the center of saddle 32, whenclamped into saddle rail clamping members 108, would remain offset inthe rear 180 direction, but the offset would be reduced to the newdistance designated as offset 470.

Thus, in combination, FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate a saddle clamp systemthat provides two distinctly different locations for the center ofsaddle 32 depending upon the front/back orientation of saddle railclamping members 108 as it is fixedly coupled to housing 102 via firstclamp retaining member 114 and/or second clamp retaining member 116. Ina first direction configuration, saddle rail clamping members 108provide a first rearward (or positive) offset 420. In the oppositedirection configuration, saddle rail clamping members 108 provide asecond (smaller) rearward (or positive) offset 470.

Negative Offset and Zero Offset

Referring now to FIGS. 5A and 5B, a side view of a saddle clamp system500 and 550 respectively, is shown. Unless otherwise provided, thecomponents of FIGS. 5A and 5B are similar to that shown in FIGS. 1B, 2A,and 2B and incorporate the corresponding discussions by reference intheir entirety. FIG. 5A includes a central axis 201 and a clamp center503. In general, central axis 201 is the same as the central axis 201 ofFIGS. 2A and 2B and clamp center 503 is similar to clamp center 203(e.g., is indicative of the center of saddle 32 when it is clamped intosaddle rail clamping members 108).

The difference between the central axis 201 and the clamp center 503 isoffset 520. Thus, in FIG. 5A, the saddle rail clamping members 108 arein a forward (or negative) offset orientation. That is, the center ofsaddle 32 when clamped into saddle rail clamping members 108 would beoffset in the front 360 direction by the distance designated as offset520.

FIG. 5B includes central axis 201 and clamp center 553. In FIG. 5B,saddle rail clamping members 108 are reversed with respect to housing102 from the orientation shown in FIG. 5A. In one embodiment, thereversal of saddle rail clamping members 108 is performed in a similarmanner to that discussed in FIGS. 2A and 2B and the pitch of saddle 32is also adjusted during the tightening of first clamp retaining member114 and/or second clamp retaining member 116.

In one embodiment, reversing the orientation of saddle rail clampingmembers 108 with respect to housing 102 will remove the offset such thatcentral axis 201 and clamp center 553 are approximately aligned. Thatis, the clamp center 553 is now the same as central axis 201 such thatthe center of saddle 32, when clamped into saddle rail clamping members108, is not offset.

Thus, in combination, FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate a saddle clamp systemthat provides two distinctly different locations for the center ofsaddle 32 depending upon the front/back orientation of saddle railclamping members 108 as it is fixedly coupled to housing 102 via firstclamp retaining member 114 and/or second clamp retaining member 116. Ina first direction configuration, saddle rail clamping members 108provide the forward (or negative) offset 520. In the opposite directionconfiguration, saddle rail clamping members 108 provide a zero offset(e.g., central axis 201 and clamp center 553 are approximately aligned).

Two Different Negative Offsets

Referring now to FIGS. 6A and 6B, a side view of a saddle clamp system600 and 650 respectively, is shown. Unless otherwise provided, thecomponents of FIGS. 6A and 6B are similar to that shown in FIGS. 1B, 2A,and 2B and incorporate the corresponding discussions by reference intheir entirety. FIG. 6A includes a central axis 201 and a clamp center603. In general, central axis 201 the same as the central axis 201 ofFIGS. 2A and 2B and clamp center 603 is similar to clamp center 203(e.g., is indicative of the center of saddle 32 when it is clamped intosaddle rail clamping members 108).

The difference between the central axis 201 and the clamp center 603 isoffset 620. Thus, in FIG. 6A, the saddle rail clamping members 108 arein a forward (or negative) offset orientation. That is, the center ofsaddle 32 when clamped into saddle rail clamping members 108 would beoffset in the front 360 direction by the distance designated as offset620.

FIG. 6B includes central axis 201 and clamp center 653. In FIG. 6B,saddle rail clamping members 108 are reversed with respect to housing102 from the orientation shown in FIG. 6A. In one embodiment, thereversal of saddle rail clamping members 108 is performed in a similarmanner to that discussed in FIGS. 2A and 2B and the pitch of saddle 32is also adjusted during the tightening of first clamp retaining member114 and/or second clamp retaining member 116.

In one embodiment, reversing the orientation of saddle rail clampingmembers 108 with respect to housing 102 will change the offset into asmaller forward (or negative) offset 670. That is, the clamp center 653remains in front of central axis 201 (but at a smaller offset distance)such that the center of saddle 32, when clamped into saddle railclamping members 108, is offset (to a lesser extent) in the forward 360direction by the distance designated as offset 670.

Thus, in combination, FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate a saddle clamp systemthat provides two distinctly different locations for the center ofsaddle 32 depending upon the front/back orientation of saddle railclamping members 108 as it is fixedly coupled to housing 102 via firstclamp retaining member 114 and/or second clamp retaining member 116. Ina first direction configuration, saddle rail clamping members 108provide the forward (or negative) offset 620. In the opposite directionconfiguration, saddle rail clamping members 108 provide a smallerforward (or negative) offset 670.

Positive Offset and Negative Offset

Referring now to FIGS. 7A and 7B, a side view of a saddle clamp system700 and 750 respectively, is shown. Unless otherwise provided, thecomponents of FIGS. 7A and 7B are similar to that shown in FIGS. 1B, 2A,and 2B and incorporate the corresponding discussions by reference intheir entirety. FIG. 7A includes a central axis 201 and a clamp center703. In general, central axis 201 is the same as the central axis 201 ofFIGS. 2A and 2B and clamp center 703 is similar to clamp center 203(e.g., is indicative of the center of saddle 32 when it is clamped intosaddle rail clamping members 108).

The difference between the central axis 201 and the clamp center 703 isoffset 720. Thus, in FIG. 7A, the saddle rail clamping members 108 arein a rearward (or positive) offset orientation. That is, the center ofsaddle 32 when clamped into saddle rail clamping members 108 would beoffset in the rear 180 direction by the distance designated as offset720.

FIG. 7B includes central axis 201 and clamp center 753. In FIG. 7B,saddle rail clamping members 108 are reversed with respect to housing102 from the orientation shown in FIG. 7A. In one embodiment, thereversal of saddle rail clamping members 108 is performed in a similarmanner to that discussed in FIGS. 2A and 2B and the pitch of saddle 32is also adjusted during the tightening of first clamp retaining member114 and/or second clamp retaining member 116.

In one embodiment, reversing the orientation of saddle rail clampingmembers 108 with respect to housing 102 will change the offset into aforward (or negative) offset 770. That is, the clamp center 753 is nowin front of central axis 201 such that the center of saddle 32, whenclamped into saddle rail clamping members 108, is offset in the forward360 direction by the distance designated as offset 770.

Thus, in combination, FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate a saddle clamp systemthat provides two distinctly different locations for the center ofsaddle 32 depending upon the front/back orientation of saddle railclamping members 108 as it is fixedly coupled to housing 102 via firstclamp retaining member 114 and/or second clamp retaining member 116. Ina first direction configuration, saddle rail clamping members 108provide the rearward (or positive) offset 720. In the opposite directionconfiguration, saddle rail clamping members 108 provide the forward (ornegative) offset 770.

The foregoing Description of Embodiments is not intended to beexhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise form described.Instead, example embodiments in this Description of Embodiments havebeen presented in order to enable persons of skill in the art to makeand use embodiments of the described subject matter. Moreover, variousembodiments have been described in various combinations. However, anytwo or more embodiments can be combined. Although some embodiments havebeen described in a language specific to structural features and/ormethodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matterdefined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to thespecific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific featuresand acts described above are disclosed by way of illustration and asexample forms of implementing the claims and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A seatpost assembly comprising: a housing fixedlycoupled to a seatpost, the housing comprising: at least one adjustableclamp assembly retaining member; and a reversable saddle rail clampassembly, the reversable saddle rail clamping assembly comprising: abottom saddle rail clamping member; and a top saddle rail clampingmember, wherein the top saddle rail clamping member is configured to becoupled with the bottom saddle rail clamping member in a firstorientation to provide a first offset position, and wherein the topsaddle rail clamping member is further configured to be coupled with thebottom saddle rail clamping member in a second orientation to provide asecond offset position; and the housing further comprising: at least onepositionally fixed clamp assembly retaining member configured to be usedin conjunction with the at least one adjustable clamp assembly retainingmember to provide a clamping force for the reversable saddle rail clampassembly, wherein an adjustment to the at least one adjustable clampassembly retaining member is configured to adjust a pitch of thereversable saddle rail clamp assembly and provide support against apitch slip of the reversable saddle rail clamp assembly.